Oceanside is an immensely populous ocean-side city in San Diego County. It lies in the shadow of Camp Pendleton to the north and borders Carlsbad, Vista, and Boonsall as well. With a population in excess of 165,000 residents, Oceanside is the third-largest city in the county. As you might expect, Oceanside has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. Army and the Marine Corps: it has always been home to droves of military personnel, and it even had a munitions factory for a time during World War II. Oceanside has a lovely harbor market with an old-school aesthetic. It also sports more modern beachfront California homes and other buildings.

For a beach city, Oceanside is pretty car dependent, though of course it is more feasible to get around on foot as you get closer to the water; the Oceanside Pier is as walk-able and leisurely and fun as most. Route 76 snakes right through the heart of the city, so it is probably the main access route, though of course the 5 (PCH) is readily accessible from the west, and Route 78 can get you southeast toward Escondido.